Earth Day '93 Has Trouble Finding Bethlehem Site

January 19, 1993|by SONIA CSENCSITS, The Morning Call

"On Our Way Home-Earth Day 1993," a celebration planned for April, has hit several major snags.

During a press conference yesterday to announce the celebration and the first Earth Ball, festival Executive Director Joris Rosse said for the first time, Bethlehem is charging a $5,000 cleanup fee. Historic Bethlehem Inc. also has not given permission for the group to use the site it prefers, near the Hill-to-Hill Bridge where the main Musikfest tent is put up.

Rosse said if HBI does not grant permission for the preferred site, the event would be held from noon until dusk April 24 and 25 on Sand Island or on the Christmas City Fair site, between Spring and Lehigh streets.

He said the event will offer "a kaleidoscope of insights and ways to participate in this celebration and in healing the planet. The event organizers intend this festival to suggest a path to a whole Earth and a more promising future. Thus we hope it will be deeply moving, educational and thoroughly enjoyable for young and old alike."

The celebration will offer a series of events set in circles. Included are performance and entertainment areas, fine arts and crafts areas, farmers' and flea markets, healing circle, children's interactive tent and non-competitive games, nature walk, fun run, dog walk, bike event and kite flying.

Plans for an April 23 Earth Ball were introduced yesterday by coordinator Greta Brown who said, "Our invitation to everyone will be `Let's Have a Ball!' We will be celebrating this region in which we live, in all its natural, historical and ethnic richness." A site for the event has not been selected.

She said adult and student volunteers are needed. Those interested can call 865-9050.

Brown said, "Our concept of Earth Days fits in with the heritage of our region. The Moravians and the Quakers, for example, as well as the Native Americans before them, teach us a legacy of living a life of quality in harmony with nature."

Ron Shegda of Emmaus, coordinator of the repair mall, said the area will offer information on the repair, restoration, refinishing and regeneration of items to keep them in continual use instead of throwing them out.